JLPT N4 Grammar – Master the Rules of Potential Form of Verbs!
Table of Contents
1. Verbs that cannot be made into the potential form
2. Volitional Verbs and Potential Form
3. Non-Volitional Verbs and Potential Form
4. Summary
5. Quiz
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: I heard that there are verbs that cannot be made into the potential form. Is that true? How can I distinguish them?
A: Yes, there are verbs that cannot be made into the potential form!
This article provides a detailed explanation of which verbs can and cannot be changed into the potential form.
Volitional Verbs and Potential Form
What is “potential”?
The term “potential” in potential form means “able to be realized” or “having the possibility of being realized.”
In Japanese, the potential form has two aspects: “ability-based potential” and “situational potential.”
When realizing something, the will of the person performing the action is necessary, so volitional verbs can be changed into the potential form.
[Point]
The potential form can be made from volitional verbs
Let’s consider the potential form of “作る” (to make), which is “作れる” (can make), in the following scenarios.
[Example 1]
わたしはおいしいチョコレートケーキを作れます。
I can make a delicious chocolate cake.
⇒ This indicates the ability to make a delicious cake and the possibility of making a delicious cake.
[Example 2]
A: この書類、明日までに作れますか。
B: はい、作れます。
A: Can you finish this document by tomorrow?
B: Yes, I can.
⇒ This indicates the possibility or likelihood of completing the document by “tomorrow” based on the situation.
Next, let’s look at ability-based potential and situational potential.
In both cases, it’s important to note the intentional effort involved.
[Example 1]
自転車に乗る練習をして、やっと乗れるようになりました。
After practicing riding a bicycle, I can finally ride it.
[Example 2]
晴れだったら自転車に乗れます。
If it’s sunny, I can ride a bicycle.
Both examples use the potential form of “乗ります” (to ride), which is “乗れる” (can ride), but in [Example 1], the speaker has intentionally practiced riding a bicycle, thereby acquiring the ability to “ride.”
However, in [Example 2], the external situation or conditions limit the speaker’s ability to “ride.” If the condition is “sunny,” then the speaker has the conscious choice to “ride.”
The key point here is “what the speaker intentionally did to realize something.” In other words, the potential form can be made from volitional verbs.
Now, let’s look at other examples of volitional verbs in the following table.
Dictionary Form of Volitional Verbs | Potential Form |
---|---|
食べる (to eat) | 食べられる |
飲む (to drink) | 飲める |
聞く (to listen) | 聞ける |
話す (to speak) | 話せる |
読む (to read) | 読める |
作る (to make) | 作れる |
する (to do) | できる |
行く (to go) | 行ける |
来る (to come) | 来れる |
帰る (to go home) | 帰れる |
使う (to use) | 使える |
乗る (to ride) | 乗れる |
知る (to know) | 知る *The verb “知る” is used in the same form as the dictionary form. |
なる (to become) | なれる *The verb “なる” is treated as a volitional verb when used in the context of achieving a dream, such as “先生になる” (to become a teacher). |
Non-volitional Verbs and Potential Form
In conclusion, non-volitional verbs cannot be made into the potential form.
The reason is that, as previously mentioned, making something possible requires the speaker’s intentional effort.
[Point]
The potential form cannot be made from intransitive verbs
Intransitive verbs are those that cannot be controlled by oneself, such as “わかる” (to understand) and “見える” (to be visible).
Let’s look at other examples of intransitive verbs in the following table.
Non-volitional Verbs |
---|
ある (to have, to exist) |
聞こえる (to be heard) |
開く (to open) |
閉まる (to close) |
乾く (to dry) |
壊れる (to be broken) |
割れる (to break) |
(雨が)降る (to rain) |
(風が)止む (to stop blowing) |
(風が)吹く (to blow) |
なる *Natural phenomena, such as “病気になる” (to become sick), are treated as intransitive verbs |
Also, since non-volitional verbs are a type of intransitive verb, reviewing the difference between intransitive and transitive verbs here might help with understanding.
If you want to learn more about the difference between intransitive and transitive verbs, please read this article!
Summary
- Verbs that can be made into the potential form are “volitional verbs,” while those that cannot are “non-volitional verbs.”
Quiz
Can the underlined verbs can be made into their potential form?
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. Not possible
“聞こえます” is an intransitive verb, so it cannot be made into the potential form.
A. Possible
“食べます” is a volitional verb, so it can be made into the potential form. The potential form is “食べられます.”
A. Not possible
*”止みます” is an intransitive verb, so it cannot be made into the potential form.
A. Possible
*In this case, “なります” implies realization and is therefore a volitional verb, so it can be made into the potential form. The potential form is “なれます.”